What Is Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate?
Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate is an ester created when benzoic acid is reacted with lauryl and myristyl alcohols, two fatty alcohols most often derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. The result is a silky, lightweight liquid that spreads easily on skin. Cosmetic chemists first explored this ester in the 1970s while looking for plant sourced alternatives to heavy mineral oils, and it quickly found a place in personal care labs thanks to its smooth feel and mildness. Manufacturing is straightforward: purified fatty alcohols are blended with benzoic acid, heated in the presence of a catalyst, then refined and filtered to remove any leftover reactants, leaving a high-purity ingredient ready for creams and lotions. Today you will spot Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate in moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup primers, body lotions, hair conditioners, lipsticks, baby care balms and many other leave-on and rinse-off formulas.
Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care and beauty products Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate works mainly as a skin conditioning agent, meaning it softens, smooths and helps the formula glide over the skin without feeling greasy. Its light texture gives creams a richer touch without weighing them down, and it can improve the overall spreadability of pigments and UV filters so the final product feels more elegant and absorbs evenly.
Who Can Use Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate
Thanks to its light, non occlusive feel Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. People with very sensitive or compromised skin usually tolerate it as well because it is odorless and free of common allergens, though anyone with a known benzoate allergy should steer clear.
The ingredient is made from plant derived fatty alcohols and synthetic benzoic acid, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal by products are involved in its production process and it is not tested on animals in most major markets that have adopted cruelty free regulations.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate does not cause photosensitivity and can be worn during the day without making skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with other common cosmetic ingredients and does not interfere with actives like retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, but they are unlikely to occur for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild skin irritation – rare redness or stinging, usually in individuals with very reactive skin
- Contact dermatitis – localized rash or itching in people with an allergy to benzoates
- Eye irritation – temporary burning or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores on extremely acne prone skin – uncommon, but heavy layering of multiple products that contain this ester could contribute to breakouts in some users
If you notice persistent irritation or any other unwanted reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester that sinks in quickly and does not form a thick film on the skin. Its molecular structure is more similar to dry feel emollients than to heavy oils so it has a very low tendency to block pores. Most formulation studies and user reports show little to no increase in comedones even at higher inclusion levels.
This makes the ingredient broadly suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the formula is also low clogging.
Keep in mind that overall pore clogging potential depends on the finished product, how much of the ester is used and what other ingredients are present.
Summary
Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate serves mainly as a skin conditioning agent, lending creams and lotions a silky glide while helping them feel richer without a greasy residue. By improving spreadability it can also boost the even distribution of pigments and UV filters which enhances the performance and sensory feel of many cosmetics.
Although it is not as famous as ingredients like squalane or jojoba oil, formulators appreciate its balance of light texture, plant origin and versatility so it pops up in a wide range of products from sunscreens to makeup primers.
Safety assessments and decades of use show it to be low risk for irritation or sensitization in the general population. Still, skin is personal so it is always wise to patch test any new product containing Lauryl/Myristyl Benzoate before introducing it into a full routine.